Hockey

Teammates Cameron Allard, left, and Chase Surkan battle for the puck during a competition drill at Brandon Wheat Kings camp last Thursday. The two were impressed by how well everyone played during the camp. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Wheaties cut down after competitive camp

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Yesterday at 11:15 PM CDT

The Brandon Wheat Kings brass challenged the players who attended their training camp to battle for jobs, and they did.

And that’s meant Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray isn’t getting much sleep these days. “The kids have laid it all out there,” Murray said. “They’ve certainly made our job difficult and some guys are making a last-minute push, and you appreciate the hard work. It’s a tough part of the job, no question.

“There are a lot of quality, capable guys who could be moving on. We have to shrink down here at some point, and they’ve certainly made our job tough.”

The Western Hockey League club reassigned more than 50 players on Sunday, and is currently at 33, with some hard decisions to still to be made.

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BWK CAMP: Saturday and Sunday’s scores

1 minute read Yesterday at 1:02 AM CDT

Results from Saturday’s intrasquad games and Sunday’s games, with goal scorers.

SATURDAY

BOSCHMAN 5, PULOCK 3

BOS: Ahmad Fayad (2), Colin Grubb, Chasen Robson, Carson Fowler.

Hockey

Team Black goalie Ryley Budd (33) watches as the puck squirts between the legs of Team Gold forward Brady Turko during the annual Black and Gold game at J&G Homes Arena on Sunday evening that signals the end of training camp. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Veterans end training camp in style

By Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Veterans end training camp in style

By Perry Bergson 6 minute read Yesterday at 1:00 AM CDT

Joby Baumuller had two goals and an assist and Chase Surkan had a goal and three assists as Team Black beat Team Gold 4-2 in the annual Black and Gold game at J&G Homes Arena on Sunday evening.

In an intense and occasionally chippy contest, Max Kelly had the winner for Black, with Memphis Adeniken and Cameron Allard replying for Gold.

“It’s nice,” Baumuller said after the game. “It’s a lot of bragging rights.”

Gold led 1-0 after 20 minutes on Adeniken’s goal, but the teams were tied 2-2 after 40 minutes. The winner came 15 minutes 46 seconds into the final frame, with Baumuller providing an insurance maker two minutes later.

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Yesterday at 1:00 AM CDT

Hockey

Cole Hunter skates through the neutral zone with the puck on his stick at Wheat Kings camp on Thursday. (Rowan McCarthy/Brandon Sun)

NCAA eligibility brings new faces to camp

By Rowan McCarthy 8 minute read Preview

NCAA eligibility brings new faces to camp

By Rowan McCarthy 8 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

It’s been a year since the NCAA opened its doors to Canadian Hockey League players and already there is abundant evidence that Canada’s hockey pipeline is adapting to the change.

Taking a look at the Brandon Wheat Kings’ training camp, the first thing that jumps out is the number of players vying for spots on the team. More than 80 players, divided into four teams, have come to show what they can do in the hopes of being selected to fill one of the available spots on Brandon’s roster.

The changes to NCAA eligibility created an environment in which players are less limited by their choices. As a result, there is wider interest from players and CHL teams alike to bring players to camp who likely would not have attended in the past.

“It’s opened up so many things,” said American defenceman Paxton Packulak. “There’s just endless possibilities you can have now. You can do so many route to get where you want to be.”

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Hockey

Bronsyn Mouille, right, battles 15-year-old forward Wyatt Lowther for the puck in a competition drill during a practice on Thursday during Brandon Wheat Kings training camp at Assiniboine Credit Union Place. The 17-year-old list player from Peace River, Alta., is looking to earn a spot. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)
Aug. 27, 2026

Mouille’s formula includes skill, physicality

By Perry Bergson 4 minute read Preview

Mouille’s formula includes skill, physicality

By Perry Bergson 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Bronsyn Mouille understands what he is, and that may take him a long way to winning a job with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The 17-year-old forward from Peace River, Alta., can create the points, but also needs to throw some havoc into the mix.

“I’m a big power forward who brings hard skill,” said Mouille, who is inspired by National Hockey League players such as Tom Wilson and Brandon Hagel. “I can have a physical presence.”

The six-foot-two, 189-pound forward went undrafted by Western Hockey League clubs in the spring of 2024 but after a terrific camp in Brandon that fall, the Wheat Kings listed him.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Hockey

Goalie Connor Dwyer of Bismarck, N.D., makes a save on forward Memphis Adeniken during a practice on Thursday during Brandon Wheat Kings training camp at Assiniboine Credit Union Place. The American netminder is one of four goalies competing for a spot behind starter Filip Ruzicka. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)
Aug. 27, 2026

Dwyer treasures golden experience

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Preview

Dwyer treasures golden experience

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Connor Dwyer isn’t going to even pretend that representing the United States at the under-17 Four Nations tournament this summer was just another week at the rink.

The goaltender from Bismarck, N.D., and his teammates — including another Brandon Wheat Kings prospect, Levi Ellingsen — went unbeaten in Chomutov, Czechia from Aug. 15 to 19. The Americans defeated Czechia 5-4 in a shootout in the final.

“It was surreal,” Dwyer said. “It was definitely the greatest honour and privilege of my life being able to wear the red, white and blue. That’s something I’m going to honour and cherish forever. I would give everything that I can just to be able to have that honour again.

“It was a great experience, taking home gold for your country is a type of feeling that I’ll cherish forever. It’s a feeling not a lot of people get to feel.”

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Hockey

BWK CAMP: Friday’s intrasquad games

1 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Results from Friday’s intrasquad games at Brandon Wheat Kings camp at Assiniboine Credit Union Place, with goal scorers.

BOSCHMAN 7, FERRARO 3

• BOS: Cameron Coulter (2), Cade Erhart, Ahmad Fayad, Ashton Kopala, Joby Baumuller, Cole Hunter.

• FER: Jaxon Jacobson, Carson Ralph, Hudson Landmark.

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Hockey

Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

DENVER (AP) — Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history.

The terms of the deal were confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey.

Makar’s extension is set to be the the richest in NHL history, surpassing the eight-year, $136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September. Makar's deal runs through the 2034-35 season.

With an annual average value (AAV) of $20.4 million beginning in 2027-28, Makar’s deal eclipses that of San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini, who signed a five-year, $94 million extension in late July and has an $18.8 million AAV.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

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Team Canada assistant coach Misha Donskov speaks to media following practice during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Edmonton Oilers hire veteran coach Misha Donskov as consultant

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Edmonton Oilers hire veteran coach Misha Donskov as consultant

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers have hired Misha Donskov as a coaching consultant, the NHL club announced Thursday.

Donskov joined the Vegas Golden Knights as director of hockey operations prior to their inaugural 2017-18 season. He was an assistant coach with the club when it won the 2023 Stanley Cup.

He spent the next two seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.

Donskov was an assistant on the coaching staff of the Canadian teams that won gold at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and silver at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and was an associate coach on Canada's bronze medallists at the 2026 world junior championship.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

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Vegas Golden Knights centre Jack Eichel (9) attempts a shot on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, April 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Star Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck requests trade

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Star Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck requests trade

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

WINNIPEG - Connor Hellebuyck, the NHL's Hart Trophy winner in 2025 and a three-time goaltender of the year, has publicly asked for a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.

Hellebuyck said he privately asked to be traded "several months ago" in a statement posted Thursday on the X account of his agent, Ray Petkau.

The goaltender says he gave the organization time to address his request "quietly and respectfully," but decided to go public as training camp nears.

“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there,” Hellebuyck said. “I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That’s the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, Texas. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Hockey

Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger (60) stops a shot by Carolina Hurricanes forward Skyler Brind'Amour (77) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Vancouver Canucks sign goalie Chris Driedger to professional tryout deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Vancouver Canucks sign goalie Chris Driedger to professional tryout deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks have signed goaltender Chris Driedger to a professional tryout contract, the NHL club announced Thursday.

Driedger, 32, spent last season playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League, and posted an 8-9-2 record with a 3.05 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage and one shutout.

The six-foot-four, 210-pound netminder from Winnipeg previously played in the NHL, splitting 67 regular-season games between the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken.

He holds a career record of 31-24-5 with a 2.45 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and five shutouts.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Hockey

BWK CAMP: Dynamic duo expected to lead offence

By Perry Bergson 9 minute read Preview

BWK CAMP: Dynamic duo expected to lead offence

By Perry Bergson 9 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

While the Brandon Wheat Kings continue to have enviable depth up front, there are two straws that will need to continue stirring the offensive drink.

Joby Baumuller enters his fourth season in the Western Hockey League as an established scorer after a 40-goal campaign in 2025-26, and Jaxon Jacobson begins his third season after an 85-point campaign. The latter is entering his National Hockey League draft year because of his late birthday.

“Both had exceptional seasons last year production-wise and took strides in their game outside of just producing points,” Murray said. “That’s a real positive thing for us … Those two are obviously big pieces of our team and we’ll count on to lead the way for us.”

The team’s training camp begins Thursday evening at Assiniboine Credit Union Place.

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Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Hockey

Netminder Filip Ruzicka (30) of the Brandon Wheat Kings deflects a shot on net by the Prince George Cougars at Assiniboine Credit Union Place in February. Much will be expected of the big Czech netminder in his second Western Hockey League season. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

BWK CAMP: Towering presence leads goaltending duo

By Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

BWK CAMP: Towering presence leads goaltending duo

By Perry Bergson 6 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings fans who began to feel like doom was awaiting around every corner in the summer had at least six feet and seven inches of good news to celebrate.

Despite posturing by the Czech club team Mountfield that they were going to keep big Filip Ruzicka, the outstanding 18-year-old netminder is returning to the Wheat Kings for a second Western Hockey League season.

Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray is understandably delighted to have him back.

“It’s really nice,” Murray said. “He proved himself. He’s a very capable number-one goaltender in the league last year. There was a lot of talk that created some sleepless nights whether we were going to get him back. We were real thrilled when we got the notice was going to be back. He was a presence night in and night out.”

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Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Hockey

Goalie Andersen, three others to miss Oilers camp with injuries

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Goalie Andersen, three others to miss Oilers camp with injuries

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

EDMONTON - Recently signed goaltender Frederik Andersen is among four players expected to miss the Edmonton Oilers' training camp next month after he sustained an injury during off-season training.

The Oilers announced Wednesday that Andersen, along with defenceman Alec Regula and forwards Mattias Janmark and Matt Savoie, are dealing with injuries heading into the 2026-27 season.

The Oilers did not provide details of the injuries to Andersen and Savoie, who was also hurt during an off-season training session.

Janmark underwent surgery in March for a chronic undisclosed injury, and is recovering from a medical procedure performed after last season.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

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Ontario hockey player remains hospitalized after workout collapse, ASU investigating

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Ontario hockey player remains hospitalized after workout collapse, ASU investigating

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

ST LOUIS - Arizona State University is reviewing the circumstances surrounding an outdoor workout that left St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich hospitalized last week.

The university confirmed Wednesday that an ASU hockey player collapsed during an outdoor exercise and remains in hospital, but declined to identify the athlete because of privacy concerns.

Blues president Doug Armstrong identified Mayich in a statement Wednesday, saying the organization has been kept informed about his condition and is supporting his family.

The 21-year-old Mayich is from Stoney Creek, Ont.

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Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

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BWK CAMP: Revamped blue-line will get younger

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Preview

BWK CAMP: Revamped blue-line will get younger

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

Not that long ago, Marty Murray thought the defensive corps of the Brandon Wheat Kings would look very different.

But when top defenceman Gio Pantelas asked for a trade to be closer to home and Samu Alalauri of Finland moved up his commitment to the University of Massachusetts, two of the team’s projected top defenders were gone.

Trading overager Dylan Ronald, meant just Cameron Allard and Nigel Boehm were returning, with acquisition Josh McGregor of Brandon also making his Wheat Kings debut.

Between them, that’s 311 games of regular season experience in the Western Hockey League. They also selected 19-year-old defenceman Ilari Kapanen of Kuopio, Finland in the Canadian Hockey League’s import draft to bring in another older defender.

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Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

September 1, 2026

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